NSWFB Brass Helmet

When I was a small boy, like so many others of my generation I wanted to be a fireman. And why wouldn't I? After all if you were a fireman you got to wear one of these fabulous shiny brass helmets. And what young lad wouldn't want to do that? ... back then at least.

Today, serving members of Fire & Rescue NSW are decked out in all of the hi-tech state-of-the-art clobber which is indistinguishable from any number of OTHER fire brigades. That stuff might be okay for safety and efficiency but it's all pretty ordinary to look at.

While having new tyres fitted to my car, I made a quick visit to Penrith's Museum of Fire today, which chronicles the proud history of fire fighting in this state. I had quite failed to realise how much there was to see and so a return visit will be needed soon. Anyway these wonderful old hats were used by the brigade all the way up until 1963 although during the war and for some short while afterwards, members had worn the (then) contemporary army helmets.

In reality, metal headgear was a terrible idea for firefighters. They were heavy, they were a constant danger around fallen powerlines and they could almost literally burn off one's head from the hot flames. These brass things were especially bad because they occupied so much time for polishing and cleaning. Sounds like most firemen would have been pleased to see them go. Helluva shame.